PERFECT SOCIETIES OF INSECTS. 



139 



unaccountable that they should know these eggs, as they do 

 when deposited in worker cells, and give them a convex 

 covering when about to assume the pupa ; unless, perhaps, the 

 size of the larva directs them in this case. 



The amputation of one of the antennas of a queen bee 

 appears not to affect her perceptibly ; but cutting off both 

 these important organs produces a very striking derangement 

 of all her proceedings. She seems in a species of delirium, 

 and deprived of all her instincts; every thing is done at 

 random ; yet the respect and homage of the workers towards 

 her, though they are received by her with indifference, 

 continue undiminished. If another in the same condition be 

 put in the hive, the bees do not appear to discover the differ- 

 ence, and treat them both alike; but if a perfect one be 

 introduced, even though fertile, they seize her, keep her in 

 confinement, and treat her very unhandsomely. One may 

 conjecture from this circumstance that it is by those wonder- 

 ful organs, the antennas, that the bees know their own queen. 

 If two mutilated queens meet, they show not the slightest 

 symptom of resentment. While one of these continues in 

 the hive, the workers never think of choosing another ; but 

 if she leaves it, they do not accompany her, probably because 

 the heat is not increased by her putting them into the pre- 

 paratory agitation. 1 



I am, &c. 



i Huber, i. 316. 



